£300k funding for Lake Vyrnwy

One of our favourite local places to visit is about to offer us a lot more following the successful application for Lottery money.

RSPB Cymru, in partnership with Hafren Dyfrdwy, has secured £300,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a ‘Lake Vyrnwy Experience’ project, which will benefit the community, visitors and wildlife alike.

The project aims to make Lake Vyrnwy - already home to some of the rarest wildlife in the UK, including hen harrier, black grouse and merlin – an even better home for wildlife, by supporting greater conservation work to protect the rare upland bog and Lake Vyrnwy’s ancient woodland.

The project will also improve visitor facilities, with redevelopment of Bethel Chapel and restoration work to attractions around the lake, such as the sculpture park, picnic areas and walking trails.

In addition, new and improved interpretation will bring to light the social heritage of Lake Vyrnwy. They plan to apply for a full grant in 18 months’ time.

For over 40 years, RSPB Cymru has been actively involved in managing the site, and in 2015 the charity entered a long-term business tenancy with Hafren Dyfrdwy to run the day-to-day operation of the Organic farm and manage parts of their land for conservation.

RSPB Lake Vyrnwy nature reserve is 10,000 hectares of woodland, moorland and farmland and is a success story built on the idea that a nature reserve is as much for people as it is for wildlife. Hafren Dyfrdwy and RSPB Cymru have both played an important role in the ongoing regeneration of the area and the reserve currently receives over 200,000 visitors every year and 1500 school children, along with volunteers who help to deliver vital work at the site. Lake Vyrnwy itself has become an internationally important nature reserve for wildlife and habitats.

Hafren Dyfrdwy Head of Visitor Experience, Dominic O’Connor Robinson, said: “Lake Vyrnwy is the shining jewel in the crown for Hafren Dyfrdwy and we want people to come here to explore the beautiful scenery. Improved interpretation will enrich the visitor experience and highlight the significance of Lake Vyrnwy from a water management, conservation and historical point of view.”

RSPB Lake Vyrnwy Senior Site Manager, Mike Walker, said: “We’re thrilled to receive this support from HLF, made possible thanks to National Lottery players. This project will really help us to further improve the already wonderful wildlife experiences here at Lake Vyrnwy. We will also be increasing the opportunities available for training and acquiring new skills to support our farming and conservation work.

“The whole valley is rich in culture, with a unique mix of built and natural heritage. We can’t wait for the opportunity to further share this in a new and innovative way with our visitors.”

Local community groups such as the Llanwddyn Community Council and Lake Vyrnwy Marketing Association will be invited to help us shape the project.

For more information on RSPB Lake Vyrnwy, visit www.rspb.org.uk/lakevyrnwy.

For more information on Hafren Dyfrdwy, visit www.hdcymru.co.uk.